Warning Signs of Infant Brain Damage at Birth

Signs, symptoms, and causes of brain damage in newborns.

The days and weeks following the birth of a child require parents to be vigilant when it comes to identifying brain damage or a severe brain injury. If you feel that your baby’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice, your family may be owed significant compensation. Call our Dallas birth injury lawyers at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.

Infant brain injuries are one of the leading causes of permanent disability in children, and these individuals often require a lifetime of care, rehabilitation and treatment. Sometimes, early intervention can mean a world of difference when it comes to stopping the development of disorders such as cerebral palsy.

Infant brain damage can result from several different factors, but the most-common cause is the lack of oxygen to the brain (often referred to as perinatal hypoxia, intrapartum asphyxia, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy) during delivery. Doctors are trained to monitor fetal distress signals during labor, and with proper medical care, the likelihood of brain hypoxia is very low.

If a doctor, nurse or medical professional fails to properly monitor the infant's heart rate or fails to perform a necessary cesarean section in a reasonable amount of time, they should be held accountable for their negligent actions. Why should your family suffer the financial burden for someone else's malpractice? We believe you shouldn't.

There are different degrees of brain injuries in young children, and the symptoms and prognosis will vary depending on the level of severity.

Mild brain damage in infants.

While mild brain damage isn’t usually life-threatening, it can carry lifelong complications. Here are a few warning signs:

1. The child has a dazed or confused expression.
2. The child is nauseous, causing them to vomit repeatedly.
3. They have difficulty sleeping.
4. He or she sleeps for much longer periods than is expected.
5. They appear dizzy and lack a sense of balance.
6. They are overly sensitive to sound or light.

Moderate to severe brain injuries in infants.

The following symptoms should be a serious cause for concern. If your child appears to exhibit one or more of these warning signs, it is recommended that you speak with your child's doctor as soon as possible.

1. Your child is unable to awaken from sleep by themselves.
2. They show pupil dilation in one or both of the eyes.
3. They suffer from convulsions or seizures.
4. They have clear fluid draining from their ears or nose.
5. They exhibit weakness in their toes and/or fingers.

If your child is over a certain age, keep close track of their developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, standing, and speech. Failing to reach these milestones within their respective age range is a very strong indicator of damage to the brain.

Know what steps to take next.

If you suspect that your child has suffered brain damage, it is vitally important to see your doctor right away. Time is of the essence when it comes to brain injuries, and the sooner you begin treatment, the better chance you have at reducing the impact on your child's life.

Make sure to document everything, and take photos or video footage of any behaviors that may signal your child’s brain injury. All these will be pivotal in helping your doctor identify potential cognitive issues, and can be indispensable if you decide to seek compensation from the hospital through a birth injury malpractice lawsuit.

To speak with our Dallas birth injury attorneys about your family's potential legal options, email us using the contact form on this page or give us a call (day or night) at (214) 651-6100. The consultation is free, and we never charge you a penny out of pocket to handle your case.